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CITY, ND – (NewsDakota.com) Robert (Bob) Drake shared his thoughts on the current state of affairs in Valley City following the resignation of Mayor Bob Werkhoven.
Drake called some city leaders bullies. He believes they bullied mayor Werkhoven out of office after they accused him (Werkhoven) of creating a hostile work environment.
In a recent interview, Drake talked about how the city dropped the ball on not working with the owner of the Pizza Corner factory to keep the facility in Valley City. He told KOVC’s Steve Urness that the loss of the factory means the city has lost much needed jobs in the community.
Following the resignation of Bob Werkhoven, deputy Mayor Matt Pedersen has become the interim Mayor of Valley City.
Valley City officials have these options: Under (NDCC 40-09-10.) The board may call a special election to fill the unexpired term, or may, after 15 days appoint a person to fill the unexpired term. Another option is upon a petition of 5 percent of the qualified electors (based on the total number of ballots cast in the last city general election) the city commission must call a special election if there is more than 6 months left on the term and the petition has been submitted within 15 days of the vacancy.
The 15 days doesn’t start until the city commission has formally accepted the resignation at a regular or special city commission meeting. (NDCC 40-09-04.)
The city commission may accept the mayor’s resignation during the next regular city commission meeting on Tuesday, May 17th. The current mayoral term in Valley City ends June of 2018.
Joe Larson Statement Concerning Steve Urness
Steve Urness response to Attorney Joe Larson: Mr. Larson you have been allowed to vilify Valley City officials in previous and current controversies surrounding the city of Valley City through employees that you represent as an attorney. Those comments, by you, (Mr. Larson) have been broadcast on KOVC Radio and posted on NewsDakota.com.
Mr. Larson many people in this community have told me (Steve Urness) that I have a fair and balanced approach and allow both sides to respond to a variety of issues and allow the public to decide who is telling the truth or lying.
Meanwhile, the final report on grievances filed by four Valley City employees against Mayor Bob Werkhoven for creating a hostile work environment has been released.
Center For Mediation Consultation pllc law firm attorney Patricia Monson of Fargo conducted a four month long investigation that included interviews from several city employees, city commissioners, the mayor and the four people who filed the grievances against former mayor Bob Werkhoven. The four people are Police Chief Fred Thompson, Valley City Administrator David Schelkoph, Valley City Attorney Russ Myhre and Police Lt. David Swenson. The final report is listed below: